Welcoming a Blessing

A quick congratulations to Matthew and Amy Olson who welcomed their brand new baby boy into the world. Jonathan Turner Olson was born on Wednesday May 28th, 2008 at 7:30pm and weighed in at 8 pounds 7.6 ounces and 20.5 inches long. All the best wishes, luck, and love in the world for their new bundle of joy!

Michael Jackson-Ryu: Shinku Hadouken!

Undoubtedly the highlight of the day came in the form of a guy busting a move just oustide of Harajuku station, where all the Harajuku girls and cosplayers gather. At first I thought he was just a regular guy passing through the crowd, but he soon proved me wrong.

Creating some airspace with arm movement he cranked up his i-Pod and started a dance routine I can hardly describe with words. Kyle and I watched in awe and we deducted it had to be some sort of Michael Jackson music he was listening to. His white i-Pod had a red smiley face painted on and it was carefully tucked into his belt.

Just as it seemed he was all out of dance moves he called forth the inner strength and powered up to do a hadouken. But it wasn't just any regular hadouken. It had to be a super Level 3 MAX Shinku Hadouken! We were going to stay longer and watch the guy, but we couldn't hold our laughter in any longer.

It was like looking into an episode of Street Fighter: The Later Years. What happened to Ryu after he was done winning all the tournaments...? Why he's dancing on street corners in Harajuku of course! If we see him outside of Harajuku again I fully expect him to be doing a hurricane kick!

Sensō-ji, Asakusa

Another temple ill-fatedly destroyed during the World War II bombings but later restored and rebuilt. It's an ancient Buddhist temple easily recognized by it's giant lantern by the entrance gates. The walk to the temple was preceeded by a large market place area with many exciting tourist and souvenir shops. Asakusa actually has several shrines and temples in the surrounding area but unfortunately I didn't have time to visit them all. There was also a sketchy looking amusement park and a lot of outdoor restaurants that looked amazing. Definitely going to have to come back and visit here when I need something to do. But perhaps the most important spot to visit is the Asahi brewery which is located across the river from Asakusa station. Oh well, next time!

Yoyogi Park Performers

Just outside of Yoyogi Park a rock band entertained the crowd. The drummer was kick ass but the girl on the tenor saxophone was disappointing.

Yoyogi is pretty large-- it has like four different entrance gates, a garden, a cycling centre, a track and field area, a bird sanctuary, and continuous water fountains in the ponds. Strolling through here there were many people walking through the trails and also others riding their bikes. There was also a group of maybe 10 girls with pom poms practicing cheerleading or some kind of organized dance. Kyle convinced me not to take any pictures since it may have implied I was a perv. Now that I look back on it, good call Kyle.

Harajuku - Meiji Temple

Today's spots for exploring and wandering were definitely the most fun I've yet to have since arriving in the Tokyo area. Met up with Kyle early this morning at around 11:00am so we could get the most out of our day. Our first destination was Meiji temple since it is literally 5 minutes away from Harajuku station.

The weather wasn't that great today (it's been raining for the past few days) but it still wasn't bad walking around Tokyo. It's probably better it be cool and damp than extremely humid and smelly. Meiji shrine was impressive to say the least. The courtyard was huge and I was lucky enough to visit while a traditional Japanese wedding cermeony was taking place. It must be a tiny bit awkward to have a bunch of stranger tourists go paparazzi on what's supposed to be a sacred ritual. Unfortunately, I too went camera crazy as they were passing through the shrine's courtyard.
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First Week Complete!

Photo above: east side of Shinjuku station on a Saturday night.

Yay! I survived my first real week as a teacher! I can't express how much relief that is, since I had a slight fear of being completely overwhelmed by the students and the amount of work I am trying to adjust to. I must say I have honestly met some of the cutest kids on the planet and it's such a privilege to be able to interact with them.

The amount of hope and joy that fills their eyes is unbelievable to witness since they are still so young and innocent. The majority of the kids are so eager to learn and excited to be studying another language. Looking over the curriculum is astonishing because they learn vocabulary and advanced sentence patterns that I don't ever recall studying while I was in elementary school. The high school students are looking to expand their thought processes and hope to be able to express more complex concepts, emotions, and relative issues in English. It's impressive to see them apply language structure they study for 5 minutes in class and be able to relay it to their everyday lives.

Meeting the student's parents after classes is enlightening as well. Most of them are ecstatic to hear about what was studied in class and they even want to help out and be involved with homework assignments. However, we'll see if they're still all smiles in a couple of weeks after I fill out student evaluations. Haha.

My Suica

So I now possess a remarkable piece of plastic that's probably one of the most convenient things I've ever had. I picked up my Suica yesterday and I must say I've already fallen in love with it. "Suica" stands for Super Urban Intelligent CArd and it's used as a train pass throughout the Greater Tokyo Area. With this card I can pass through each station without buying any tickets as long as I have enough money on the card to get me through the next station. I simply swipe my card through the ticket gate and it records where I enter, and then accordingly deducts the correct amount of fare it costs at the station I exit from.

At the train stations there are also several vending machines and convenience stores that can accept a Suica as a payment method. It's metallic so I dont' even need to remove it from my wallet for the ticket gate to recognize it. I can just simply push my wallet up against the scanner and I'm good to go through the next train station. Did I mention it's a rechargeable card too? Best thing ever.

Such a simple concept yet at the same time so conveniently complex. Mind boggling but I still must proclaim: Suica for life!

Discovery: Kyle Ng

After riding the Shinkansen (bullet train) for about 3 hours from Okayama to Tokyo yesterday, I met up with my new boss. She then took me over to the train station closest to my new apartment where I met the teacher I'm replacing. After walking for about 10 minutes we reached my new apartment and I started to get settled in. As we talked about a lot of things, she quickly showed me around town, and we went out for dinner shortly after.

Upon returning home I finished unpacking and went online to check some e-mails. I received one from Kyle with his Japanese cell phone number and I was able to contact him. It was so exciting to hear from someone I had known before arriving in Japan. Turns out he was only ~20 minutes away from me so he came over to my station at around 10pm. We found a Taiwanese restaurant to eat at and he ended up crashing at my place for the night. Both of us still can't get over how big my apartment is. I've actually got an entire empty tatami room next to my bedroom, a separate kitchen area and separate bathroom area as well. I also have enough closet space to hide several dead bodies. I'll post pictures of my place soon enough!

It was so sad to see Kyle's place today. His entire place is literally half the size of my entire bedroom. Since he's in a guesthouse/dormatory building he doesn't even have a bathroom on his own floor. I'm a tiny bit outside of Tokyo, but I can't express how happy I am about my living quarters. I wouldn't be able to cope with living at "Big World 21". There, there. It'll be okay Kyle!

Phase One Complete

Yesterday was my last night in Okayama, meaning it's time to say another round of goodbyes. Initial training week has finally come to an end which truly signifies a bittersweet moment for me. Although I am excited to have successfully compelted training I also realize, as I am packing my bags for Tokyo, this may very well be the last time we all spend time together as a whole.

This group of people will always be remembered as the first group of people I spent my time in Japan with. Now, we must all part in our separate ways throughout Japan to start the real deal. We said we`ll plan vacations and visit each other often when we have the time but who knows how that will play out over the next several months. As with all groups of peers there were some people that I will miss more than others, but the stories and experiences we've had as a whole will not be forgotten.

Thanks to everyone for all the memories!

Surrealism

Another long day of work followed by another great night to complete the cycle. It's my fifth night here in Japan and I still can't believe I'm actually being paid to do this. I'm not at all insinuating that my job is easy-- we've all been working really hard to accomplish tasks. However we work hard, and we play hard (not in a homosexual way, not that there's anything wrong with that!).

I still can't believe this is now my new job and culture.

Got Joypolis?

Trying to find another source of entertainment we decided to find out where the Joypolis was located. We deducted that asking someone around Okayma station was the best strategy since it was rush hour and there would be a plentiful amount of people. Our first targets were two adolescent boys since we thought they would be able to relate and would know what we were talking about. But lo and behold Superman came to save the day.

I really regret not taking a picture of him, turns out Superman is actually a 65 year old retired Japanese man who is very fluent in English. He overheard us asking for directions and insisted it was his duty to walk us over there himself. Initially he pointed off in the distance and said it would take about 10 minutes by walk so we willingly allowed for him to be our shepherd.

Superman told us he has travelled all around the world and he was here to make it a better place. Being retired, that was going to be his new calling in life. Why do I keep referring to him as Superman? It's simply because when we asked him where he was from he immediately pointed upwards to the sky. He then raised both his hands into the air and proclaimed "Superman".

We arrived to our destination just as he had assured us and all was well once more. He then quickly headed back towards the direction we came from, quite possibly because he had more people to save. I can't tell you how glad I am that we didn't stumble upon any kryptonite.

As for the Joypolis itself just imagine a collection of Japanese arcade games that you can play to win prizes. We weren't allowed to take any-- it's really too bad since it was so awesome. The coolest thing I played was the giant air hockey table which had two people on each side and randomly shot out up to three pucks onto the playing surface. And of course my team won both times, not that I was keeping score or anything.

*Oh I almost forgot; shout out to my man Kyle for surviving his first Japanese earthquake. Too bad he didn't get earthquake training like I did!

Amusement on a Monday

Tivoli Park is located on the otherside of Kurashiki but amusement parks function a little bit differently here than I'm used to. From what I gathered admission was a single cost and each ride within the park has its own individual fare for being used. There was an option for full grounds admission including rides but it seemed a little expensive. I believe the CNE in Canada uses a fee system like this so maybe it's quite palpable. The ferris wheel was huge but there were only two other roller coasters which didn't seem too extravagant.

It didn't seem like there was a large amount of people within the park either, making it quite barren. Everybody knows that empty theme parks are always trouble so arguably it was a good decision to not go in. Another possibility is that I've just read too many R.L. Stine novels when I was little and got Goosebumps. Har har har.


So instead we just decided to mess around with the organic marching green soldier which appeared to be Tivoli Park's mascot.
=)

Kurashiki

Took a trip to Kurashiki today which is just a few stops from Okayama station to visit a preserved historic district and shrine. The architecture in this part of town was a little more traditional and looked amazing. There was even a canal running through the area which eventually connects to the Takahashi River. I held back from taking too many shots while atop the shrine since I had no idea if cameras are even allowed to be used there. Several smaller museums are also in Kurashiki but unfortunately time constraints have already started getting the best of me. However it was definitely still worth the subway ticket up there. I absolutely can't wait to visit Kyoto.

Korakuen Garden & Okayama Castle

Two days off before training starts and reality sets into place. Given there's no time to waste sitting around I headed over to the regional garden and castle here in Okayama. Korakuen Garden is supposed to be one of the nicest gardens in Japan so I was excited. It was about a 20 minute walk from where I'm staying and also pretty much adjacent to Okayama-Jo (Okayama Castle).


Aside from the garden and castle looking spectacular, there were so many cute kids running around with their parents. This made me anxious since I'm going to be working primarily with younger kids when I start teaching. It appears people in general here permanently have smiles on their faces when they're out in public. Everyone embodies a friendly presence and it almost seems too good to be true. Pinch me, I think I'm dreaming. On second thought, don't. Please don't.

The rest of my pictures are posted on facebook (I actually took quite a few today).

First meal in Japan

Arrived earlier in Osaka at approximately 4pm local time and it's been a huge energy drain since then. Claiming luggage and passing through customs wasn't as bad as I thought it would be so that's definitely a plus. The teacher trainers were waiting upon our arrival at the airport to take us to our training centre for the first week. We spent a couple hours waiting since we had flights coming in from all over the world at all different times. After everyone had arrived we made our trip to Okayama. Unfortunately it has been raining all day so most of my landing and airport pictures are somewhat cloudy and dark.


Some of us decided that it was time to use these awesome drink vending machines and power up while we waited for the others to arrive.

After being on the transport system for a mere 10 seconds I have already decided that this is the best system ever. Actually before even boarding I probably would have been able to evaluate the superiority of its efficiency. The train arrived exactly at 6:16pm right on schedule, not a minute earlier or not a minute later. The digital clock literally just changed from 6:15 to 6:16 and within that transition the train had arrived and come to a stop.


After settling into our quarters for the week we decided that dinner and drinking was long overdue. Ended up picking the closest place to us and it was an adventure in itself ordering food and drinks from the menu. I decided to play it safe and order a side of fried dumplings and a gigantic beer. Probably the best dumplings I've ever had since I had been eating terrible aircraft food for the past 16 hours.

Time to call it a night so I have enough energy to do some exploring tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Waiting in Vancouver...

Above shot flying over the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia.

Landed at Vancouver International at approximately 10:00am pacific time and I'm watching the clock on the wall tick until it's time to board my connecting. The Osaka flight leaves at 12:55pm so I still have a fair amount of time to kill. As for the airport itself it's pretty impressive, at least moreso than Pearson in Toronto. The international departure wing has been completely renovated and it resembles more of a shopping mall than an airport. There are still a few other renovations going on but for the most part it looks complete. Everything needs to get done in time before the Winter Olympics happen, but I'm sure they'll have enough time to complete their projects.

On the flight from Toronto to Vancouver I managed to strike up a conversation between the passenger sitting beside me, and it turns out he's actually flying to Osaka as well. We have the same connecting flight here in Vancouver, but unfortunately it was just pure luck I was sitting next to him earlier this morning. He (Mark) is from Toronto and he visits Japan frequently for business. For this occasion he's actually visiting his wife because it is their one year anniversary on monday. Mark usually hangs out in Tokyo when he's in Japan, so maybe we'll catch up when I get settled in.

Every few minutes there's a random announcement in Japanese on the PA, most likely talking about last minute flight departures. It's a female voice and she sounds so bubbly and cute. My only worry is she isn't repeating or translating her information into English so for all I know my flight is delayed. Let's hope that isn't the case!
=]

Leaving the Ghetto

The above was taken 5 minutes away from my house in Scarborough, on a bridge overlooking some railway tracks and a graffiti covered fence. Cozy, don't you think?

Well perhaps that isn't a fair assessment of my neighbourhood, the same neighbourhood I've belonged to for the entire 23 years of my life. My elementary and high school were only about 10 minutes away, and there are a few parks to play all day in as a child. I should be happy that during my time here I have never been in any real danger or have had anything bad happen to myself and my family. The only thing I was really upset over was the mysterious disappearance of my basketball net.

Yes, it's true. One random night a few years ago my basketball net went missing-- and to this day I still have no idea who managed to take it from the side of my house. I mean it's like 10 feet tall and probably around 200 pounds so you figure it'd be able to fend for itself but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I suppose something worse could have happened. At least they didn't steal my car or break into my house.

(I am also thankful that I was never shot/stabbed/mugged/beat up at Kennedy Station.)

To everyone else in the Scarborough/Toronto area, or where ever you may be in the world, please stay safe!

Goodbye for now old Cliffside area!

My Life in Two Suitcases

Pretty challenging eh? Given that I've packed mostly clothes it opened my eyes to the realization that I'm going to be leaving a lot behind. Not just the tangible things I can place into a suitcase, but all the little and large routines I go through everyday which makes me aware of living a regular life in Toronto.

Here's the list that didn't quite make the cut:

• HDTV


• PS3


• Guitar Hero & Rock Band


• Rollerblades


• Golf clubs


• Tennis raquet


• Shakespeare & literature library


• Computer chair


• Snowpants


• Collection of 100++ dvds & cds

..one day, I'll be back for you!
(I'm so glad I was able to take the Batsuit with me..!)

Also, a list of friends and family members who will remain nameless that I'll miss more than I am able to describe using words. Thank you endlessly for all the love, support, and laughs we've shared over the years. I would have never been able to fulfill this dream if I hadn't had your ongoing affection. Love you all so, so, much.

Until we meet again... >=]

Show me the Money!

Picked up Japanese Yen from the foreign exchange department at Scotia Bank downtown this week and I still really have no clue whether or not this stuff is real. For all I know the currency exchange representative could have given me magical beans and I still would have smiled, thanked her, and gladly walked away to enjoy the rest of my day. But we live in a world of trust and morals, right? So something like that would never happen! On a side note I do feel mighty powerful holding a $10,000 bill.

Goodbye World! (of Warcraft)

Yes the day finally came. The last day of subscription to my World of Warcraft account which ended over the weekend. Addictive? Very. Withdrawal? Partial. For those who have played the game it actually is a very social event among friends. Over the past three years I've met some very interesting people from all over North America, Europe, and Asia. Whether it was playing hardcore for endless hours a night or just logging on casually to hang out with friends I enjoyed my time with the game and all the experiences that came with it.

Perhaps one day I'll make my glorious return but as of right now I just don't see the time to play the game with everything else going on. So as of last Saturday it's farewell to the wonderful world of Azeroth!